Football is back! Sunday brought the visit of Southampton to St James’ Park, the beginning of Steve McClaren’s reign as manager. There appeared to be a buzz surrounding the game. Fans flocked to St James’ Park with a new sense of optimism. Long gone are the narrow-minded, ‘avoid defeat’ mentalities of the previous regime replaced with a promise to look to attack the opposition and play front foot football.
Line-up
Steve McClaren surprised many with his first team selection. Returning captain Coloccini and Mbemba formed the heart of the defense. Whilst it was nice to see Mbemba, to say both individuals had a limited pre season is putting it very mildly. Coloccini having not made a single appearance during the preseason while Mbemba spent little over 10 days training with his new teammates, so it’s fair to say the move was bold but most certainly a gamble. Vurnon Anita lined up alongside Jack Colback centrally. Dutchman Anita played more minutes than many in preseason. McClaren wants Newcastle to regain possession and control the game. Greater control of the game allows Newcastle to control the tempo and direction of the fixture. Frenchman Gabriel Obertan moved many eyebrows after being given the nod. Obertan has failed to provide performances befitting his position. The new season and management allowed Obertan to be given a fresh slate. A chance to prove his worth, not only to the fans but the manager also. McClaren has spent a few weeks with the players, it’s not unreasonable to suggest he will not know everything about every individual. Time together will provide the former England manager a far clearer picture. Looking at the line up I saw balance. Craft and creativity, entwined with hard work, youthful exuberance and experienced internationals. Substitutes play a big role within games. Many decisions impact directly upon the final result. Seeing a bench full of legitimate and viable options was fantastic, for too long Newcastle deprived themselves of such riches. Clear depth can be seen. The omission of Gouffran and Williamson brought delight across social media and message boards. Both players have failed to provide performances worthy of a place in the squad. Seeing them eventually moved on will be best for all parties.
If we were to be greedy it would have been nice for Newcastle United to add an experienced left back and commanding center back during the transfer window. Haidara prior to the game worried me due to his lack of positional awareness. Graziano Pelle spearheading Southampton’s attack is a potent threat in the air. Newcastle lack height within the heart of the defense. Coloccini for nearly two years has shown a clear lack of fight for the cause and to many his better days are refined to the history books. Coloccini must seek to prove fans wrong, he like many others require a big season.
First half
Newcastle started the game with enthusiasm and intent. Looking to Anita, Colback and Gini to control possession. Sissoko and Obertan were tasked to hug the touchline, making the pitch as wide as possible. Young full back Targett and newly signed Cedric were clearly targeted as weaknesses. Early on Cedric struggled with the marauding runs of Obertan, fouling him on numerous occasions. The result saw Tadic retreat 10 yards to cover his full back allowing Haidara to push higher up the field. Tadic as a result was also booked. Early signs were very positive. Sissoko appeared lively, moving past Targett at will. Linking with Jaanmat saw a pull back to Gini, his shot brilliantly blocked by Steve Davis.
Southampton struggled early on but as the game settled they looked to get a foothold in the game. Cedric, now advancing further forward should have given the visitors the lead. A simple chipped ball into the penalty area was wrongly judged by Colo, only a save from Krul prevented Newcastle from going behind. Scenarios like this Colo must do better. Colo had to make a full-blooded challenge, it appeared half-hearted and lacked conviction. I, like many others, would hope defenders are brave and if big challenges have to be made they are not shirked.
Southampton took the lead after 23 minutes. Southampton had threatened, however, Newcastle did not make the necessary adjustments. Below is phase one to the opening goal. By and large the set up here is fine and adequate. Defensively, the back four remain rigid. Obertan and Haidara have tucked in to squeeze passing lanes and space so very little danger exists.
Move this play forward and you see a completely different picture. Obertan and Haidara whilst tucking in have fallen for the basic habit of ball watching. Whilst worrying about Pelle, Haidara has neglected his duty in tracking the run coming from Southampton’s right. By the time the adjustment was made a clever ball had been delivered into the area. I think a question can be asked also of Obertan’s position. Why is he tucked so far in the field when Anita and Colback have this area covered? Having said that Mane will bring him to the ball.
Newcastle must look to address this. Pelle checked his run and his firm header beat the scrambling Tim Krul. Mbemba was the player tasked with marking Pelle, however I don’t hold him directly responsible. Having only recently arrived and without being able to speak English, communication will be a struggle. His positioning at first appeared flat-footed, however I would rather the incoming cross canceled out. Is it fair to question the position of Colo? Rather than appearing to push would it not have been better for Colo to be closer to Mbemba, given Pelle’s prowess in the air?
Despite going behind Newcastle remained positive, a far cry from last season. Conceding last season saw an instant drain of confidence, another defeat was on the cards. However yesterday, Newcastle dusted themselves off and performed admirably. Newcastle were involved in 2 penalty incidents, both handball. Referee’s are only human and will ultimately make mistakes but I clearly felt Newcastle had been wronged. Rodriguez’s hand position didn’t appear a natural body shape and could only have further handled it had he picked the ball up. The decision didn’t go our way but Newcastle still refused to crumble. Equallising minutes before half time, the fruits of our hard work paid off. A short corner from Colback to Haidara, whose incoming cross took a huge deflection, looping over Southampton’s scrambling goalkeeper allowing Cisse the easiest of taps in. Cisse by and large this half had become largely anonymous, numerous poor first touches and chasing lost causes appeared his only real contribution prior to his goal. Cisse though for all his limitations has a knack of scoring goals. Being in the right place at the right time shouldn’t be underestimated. Looking at the play and transitions, I believe Mitrovic will be the preferred option when fit and settled in. Cisse appears to struggle with his back to goal. Limited in his hold up and integration play. The striker contributes with goals however, which will always be well received.
Whether a goal like this whilst fortuitous allowed was excellent. For far too long Newcastle have lacked ingenuity from set pieces . Continually delivering balls towards the onrushing Williamson provided nothing. The routine was predictable and contained a huge flaw: Williamson for such a big presence is very poor in the air. The equaliser allowed Steve McClaren to give his half time team talk level. It was no more than Newcastle deserved on the whole.
Second half
Newcastle emerged from the second half and burst out of the blocks. A goal from new signing Wijnaldum brought pandemonium from the stands. A goal created from nothing more than determination and old fashioned counter attacking. Intercepting a loose Southampton pass, releasing Obertan into wide open space, his pin point cross was expertly nodded home by the Dutchman. The goal brought a huge smile to my face. Newcastle want to attack from any situation, players are willing to burst into open space and penetrate opposition gaps. Wijnaldum from a starting position close to his own penalty area made a lung busting move forward. The header similar to that of a prime center forward a goal to savor. As you can see from the image below all Newcastle players are within their own half. Within a matter of seconds we had scored. The need to transition quickly and fluidly is a necessity. Should we carry on in this fashion more goals will be scored this way. Another positive is teams will be wary of being sprung on and will limit the number of players they move forward into transition, creating less attacking options, which in turn makes defensive assignments easier.
After taking the lead Newcastle looked settled and composed. Anita and Colback provided stability in front of the back four and the front 4 buzzed and probed. Possession was by and large the order of the day. Anita and Colback were retreating to get the ball from defenders and looking to move forward sensibly as opposed to long, aimless balls forward. Mbemba looks comfortable and assured in possession, something not seen since the days of Woodgate. Colback and Anita remained close to one another stifling space and covering ground. Having such clever communication allowed many Southampton attacks to be thwarted with ease, a transformation from last year where for vast periods the midfield was largely ineffective.
Vurnon Anita after a stern challenge was forced off and in my opinion changed the entire course of the game. Replaced by the returning Tiote, Newcastle’s shape was highly compromised. Tiote has been injured for many months, having no pre-season was evident. Fatigue set in and Tiote looked incredibly rusty. Having very little understanding with Colback, Southampton were able to capatalise upon pockets of space, left by a lack of discipline. Colo reverted to old. He looks to step out of defense and win back possession via pressure. I find big problems with this. Firstly he doesn’t possess the pace he once had. Secondly his positioning must be seen as illogical. Stepping out leaves holes within the back line, leaving Mbemba to cover, making the new man’s job all the harder. Colo would be better remaining in shape and dealing with the situation as and when it draws closer. Strength in numbers and rigidity allows a far greater chance of defending efficiently. As time moves on you would hope the understanding would grow and he will remain in position. Ideally a commanding center back would be nice, however that’s a story for another time.
After continual probing Southampton finally found a way through, a goal which has become a thorn in our side. Haidara once again being drawn inside without being aware of advancing runs. Jaanmat must also be questioned in this phase of play. Jaanmat is unaware of the danger around him. Ball watching he fails to recognise Shane Long is behind him.
Whilst many will not see any immediate danger once the ball is delivered to the back post, Long has made a move and beating the unaware Jaanmat planting his header in the top corner. The goal, by and large, could have avoided with a little more concentration and awareness.
The last few minutes saw Newcastle offer a debut to Mitrovic. Seconds after coming on he was booked for a late lunge. The lad is full of enthusiasm and McClaren will work with him to make the new Serbian recruit hone his desire to win. Only a brilliant block by Colback prevented Southampton snatching a victory. Colo again caught napping and whilst not moving to clear up the situation, Colback ensured we left with a point.
Man of the Match
My man of the match was Vurnon Anita, the minute Dutchman has taken to the new system like a duck to water. Anita was everywhere, covering ground, hassling and intercepting passes, Anita was an intelligent water carrier. Keeping things simple and allowing creating entities a foundation in which to attack. Anita is proof, modern advanced coaching can benefit the squad who stagnated under previous regimes.
Positives
Debutants all stepped into the team and embraced the challenge. Wijnaldum is a high caliber player who for a long time Newcastle have missed. Only just being beaten by Anita for man of the match I believe he’s an excellent acquisition. Gini has an eye for goal and wants to make moves beyond the striker, a trait we have long missed. Mbemba for having very little preparation looks a fine defender who will only get better. Quick, intelligent, and a desire to defend the future looks very bright with the youthful defender.
Newcastle attempted to seize the initiative and play attacking, sensible football. Probing and recycling when the clear chance doesn’t materialize. Over time fans will become accustomed to this style of play. Control is worth far more than a gung ho 100 MPH pace. Newcastle are prepared to be patient to create the best possible opportunity.
Negatives
Defensively Newcastle still worry me. Haidara, Jaanmat and Colo were poor in countless attacks from Southampton. In an ideal world Newcastle would deal with this by purchasing more reinforcements, in the meantime, it would be sensible to work with them on shape and the necessity to cut out ball watching. Southampton attacked Newcastle’s left side 50% of the time gaining a lot of success. Newcastle appear to lack aggression defensively. That doesn’t mean fouls or cheat, rather controlled aggression where defenders are prepared to roll their sleeves up and put their bodies on the line. Haidara has to improve his positional awareness and realise when he should tuck in and when he should remain wide to prevent the advancements of marauding fullbacks.
Defending set pieces are a again a big worry. A clear lack of height within the side allows taller attackers to steal a march, however more communication is required to adequately deal with the situation. A plan to counteract this weakness could be to revert to zonal marking, a thought for the manager?
Final thoughts
In the grand scheme of things a draw was a fair result. Many will see two points dropped but I’m happy we secured a point against very tough and challenging opposition. I actually enjoyed the game, the first time I’ve said that in a long time. Newcastle attempted to play football, that may appear to be a silly comment, however the vast majority of fans will understand where I’m coming from. Attacking intent, possession and control were not words used to describe the previous regimes. The sky is the limit to what this team can achieve. As players put more hours in on the training field they’ll become a more cohesive and well rounded unit, understanding the philosophy and tactics precisely. Long gone are the negatives that plagued previous campaigns, I look forward to see how far this group can go and what they can achieve together. Plans and blueprints don’t happen instantly or overnight. The foundation is being laid for a very enjoyable season.
